Simon Says: What To Make Of The Kentucky Derby Preps

By Derek Simon

Kentucky Derby Preps That Are Safe to Ignore

The Kentucky Derby Trophy. Photo: Coady Photography

Starting in about two weeks, the real Kentucky Derby preps begin — the 170-point affairs that not only assure the winners a spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate on the first Saturday in May, but also serve (in most cases) as the horses’ final tune-up.

Yet, over the years, some of those prep races have been — what is the word I’m looking for? — oh yeah, atrocious.

Take, for example, the Blue Grass Stakes, which is slated to be run on April 7. Since 1997, horses making their final pre-Derby starts in the annual Keeneland feature are… (m0re)